Lokomotiv seeking a return to victory on home soil!
Lokomotiv has been a consistent contender in the league, and has a strong fan base in its home city. However, the team has recently hit a rough patch, losing four straight games. This string of losses has likely been a disappointment for the team and its fans, as they had been hoping for a strong finish to the season.
Despite this recent setback, the Railwaymen are now looking to return to victory in a crucial home game against Traktor. Traktor is currently fighting for a playoff spot, so this game is likely to be an intense and competitive match. The outcome of this game will have important implications for both teams’ playoff chances, so it's sure to be a high-stakes matchup. Lokomotiv will likely be playing with a sense of urgency to turn things around and get back on track in their quest for the elimination stage, while Traktor will be fighting to maintain their playoff position. It should be a great game to watch for fans of the KHL, and an opportunity for Lokomotiv to recover their lost games.
The KHL matchday features also two Eastern matches, starting with Avangard hosting Ak Bars in a classic matchup. So far, the series is two games to one in the Hawks’ favor, and it will be exciting to see whether Kazan can tie things up. Then, Neftekhimik and Amur clash in another hot game as both teams are fighting for a spot in the top-eight in the East.
The remaining game of the matchday is no less important for the playoffs race, with Dinamo Minsk hosting Kunlun Red Star. The Belarusians are just one point shy of Severstal in the West and a win may get them back to the top of the playoffs line.
16:30: Avangard (29-15-4, 3rd E) vs Ak Bars (25-16-7, 6th E)
About the game
Avangard enters the second match of a two-game home series fresh off a win over Avtomobilist on Sunday (2:1).
Ak Bars ends a two-game road trip coming off a four-game winning streak.
Avangard has defeated Ak Bars twice this season so far (4:3, 2:1 OT), and lost once (2:3 OT).
Avangard’s forward Sergei Tolchinsky is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (1+5) points over that span.
Ak Bars’ goalie Timur Bilyalov is on a 76:47 shutout streak.
Injury list
Avangard: Stanislav Galimov, Viktor Svedberg, Nail Yakupov.
19:00: Lokomotiv (29-13-7, 4th W) vs Traktor (20-23-6, 10th E)
About the game
Lokomotiv, who has already defeated Traktor this season (4:0), enters the second game of a four-match home series after suffering four straight losses.
Traktor starts a three-game road trip coming off a loss to CSKA on Sunday (1:2).
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Andrei Sergeyev is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that span.
Lokomotiv’s forward Ivan Chekhovich is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (3+2) points.
Traktor’s forward Nikita Tertyshny is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points.
Injury list
Lokomotiv: Yegor Averin, Artur Kayumov, Yegor Korshkov.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Beryozkin lines up for his 100th KHL game.
19:00: Neftekhimik (21-24-3, 11th E) vs Amur (20-21-6, 9th E)
About the game
Neftekhimik plays the final match of a four-game home series coming off a loss to Vityaz (2:5) on Sunday.
Amur starts a three-game road trip and won its previous couple of matches.
The teams have traded wins this season so far (4:3 OT, 1:5).
Amur’s goalie Evgeny Alikin is on a 69:45 shutout streak.
Amur’s forward Nikita Grebyonkin is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points.
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Emil Garipov, Maxim Goncharov.
Amur: Vasily Sredin.
19:10: Dinamo Minsk (19-20-10, 9th W) vs Kunlun Red Star (16-28-5, 10th W)
About the game
Dinamo Minsk, who has already defeated Kunlun Red Star this season (3:2), starts a four-game home series after a loss to Sibir on Saturday (3:2 OT).
Kunlun Red Star ends a four-game road trip and lost its previous four matches.
Injury list
Dinamo Minsk: Denis Mosalyov.
Kunlun Red Star: Paris O’Brien.
